Weekend Community Habilitation Specialist - Brooklyn

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

We are currently seeking a Community Habilitation Specialist to assist with a female person supported in Brooklyn. This is a part-time opportunity, on Saturdays and Sundays.

Human First, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization serving the developmentally disabled communities of New York City. Founded in 2001, our multicultural agency is committed to creating positive relationships and safe environments across New York communities. 

Our Mission is to provide enhanced opportunities for individuals with special needs to reach their personal goals. Through the development of effective support systems for previously underserved populations, Human First impacts the lives of more than 1,400 families across New York City.

Our culturally trained, multilingual staff deliver a range of person-centered services, including Community Habilitation, Day Habilitation and Residential Services. Known for serving individuals who are emotionally challenged and medically frail, Human First has been recognized by the city and state for our outstanding contributions to high quality care.

Human First, Inc. is a subsidiary of ADAPT Community Network.

SUMMARY

Under general supervision, the Community Habilitation Specialist provides individualized training and personal assistance to participants with developmental and/or physical disabilities in their homes and communities. The goal of this position is to promote meaningful independence, personal growth, and full community inclusion. Specialists work with minimal supervision to deliver skills training, role modeling, structured routines, and specialized supports as outlined in each participant’s Community Habilitation Plan. Activities and routines are individualized and based on participant choice, emphasizing empowerment, dignity, and self-determination.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of the Community Habilitation Specialist will include but are not limited to the following:

• Provide habilitation supports in accordance with each participant’s Community Habilitation Plan, focusing on daily living skills, socialization, recreation, vocational exploration, and community integration.
• Assist participants in identifying personal goals, preferences, strengths, and learning needs.
• Support participants in choosing and participating in meaningful activities that reflect person-centered practices.
• Promote independence through teaching, modeling, structured routines, and least-restrictive prompting strategies.
• Provide personal care as needed and appropriate to the participant’s skill level, including bathing, grooming, toileting, dressing, and laundry.
• Follow dietary guidelines, medical recommendations, and risk management strategies outlined in the habilitation plan.
• Maintain a respectful, supportive, and empathetic approach in all interactions.
• Use proactive strategies and crisis-prevention techniques to ensure participant safety and well-being.
• Utilize on-call supervisory support to report or respond to emergency situations.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and agency policies.
• Complete accurate, timely, and detailed session notes, progress summaries, and all required documentation in the Electronic Medical Record system.
• Communicate professionally with supervisors, coworkers, families, and members of each participant’s circle of support.
• Collaborate with community service providers, clinicians, and other professionals involved in supporting the participant.
• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and in-services.
• Research and identify community resources to promote inclusion, independence, education, employment readiness, and social opportunities.
• Support participants in accessing community-based services such as banking, shopping, transportation training, medical appointments, and educational or religious activities.
• Encourage and facilitate the use of technology, communication systems, and assistive devices to enhance independence.
• Carry out responsibilities assigned by the Program Manager, including attending appointments, budgeting, completing session notes, and other tasks.
• Foster autonomy, self-advocacy, and personal empowerment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Some college coursework in human services or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with developmental or physical disabilities preferred.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with participants, families, coworkers, and community partners.
• Basic computer literacy with the ability to learn and utilize Electronic Medical Record systems.
• Ability to follow prompting hierarchies and complete detailed, objective documentation.
• Flexibility to accommodate participant schedules, including evenings or weekends as needed.
• Willingness to travel to participant homes and community locations.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and remain solution-focused.
• Demonstrated sensitivity, patience, and respect in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Passion for Human First’s mission and the nonprofit sector.

COMPENSATION: $21.43/hour (after probation) + Industry-Leading Benefits!

At ADAPT & Human First, we value diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. We strive to ensure that our employees are comfortable bringing their whole, authentic self to work and that the people we support can also be their authentic selves. We value diverse backgrounds, opinions, ideas, and ways of thinking. We aim to build an inclusive and diverse workforce that is empowered and supported with leaders who create diverse and inclusive teams. We continuously seek opportunities for the organization to foster a more positive, respected, united, and collaborative culture.

ADAPT Community Network & Human First are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds and status are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.